HIROSHIMA (TR) — Police stormed a highway night bus in Hiroshima City early Monday morning to arrest a 61-year-old passenger who was found standing at the front of the vehicle holding a folding knife, reports Nippon News Network (Apr. 27).
Ichiro Seki, an unemployed resident of Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, was taken into custody on the spot for violating the Swords and Firearms Control Law. Upon his arrest, he admitted to the allegations.
According to police, a crew member placed an emergency call at around 5:30 a.m., reporting that a male passenger had approached the front of the vehicle holding a knife. The bus, which had departed from Tokyo and was en route to Hagi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, was parked at a bus stop in Hiroshima City at the time.
Seki was found holding a folding knife with an 8-centimeter-long blade. Authorities noted that he did not violently brandish the weapon or make any demands for money.
Responding police officers engaged the suspect and persuaded him to stand down before rushing into the vehicle to secure his arrest. None of the 21 passengers and crew members on board were injured during the tense standoff.
Investigators revealed that Seki had boarded the night bus alone in Tokyo. Police are currently investigating the motive behind his actions.
